Entrepreneur gives back with gift to bursary

Mr Eddie Chng was motivated to set up a bursary at the National University of Singapore (NUS) by his desire to give back to the society which provided him with a peaceful and prosperous life.

An entrepreneur, and the CEO of Equation Corp Limited, an investment holding company, Mr Chng says, “When you get to a certain age of life, and you have benefited from society at large, you want to give back. There are many ways of doing this. Setting up a bursary is just one of them.”

The Eddie Chng Weng Wah Bursary, which will have a value of $5,000, will be available to one Singaporean student in financial need per year studying at any Faculty or School from across the entire University. The Bursary will run for the next nine years.

Mr Chng’s decision to choose NUS as a recipient of his gift was influenced by his relationship with the University. “Over my life, I have employed many graduates, many of whom were from NUS. I have not been disappointed. My experience has been good. This prompted my decision,” he explains.

He also believes that education is the key to stepping out of poverty. He says, “If you look at society today, there is a big disparity in terms of wealth. The best way out of poverty is education. Other than having a rich family, there is no other way.”

Mr Chng continues, “I did not come from a wealthy family. I made my own success. But when I started out, the world was less competitive. Now, whatever you want to be in life, whether a professional or an entrepreneur, a good education is essential.”

What hopes does Mr Chng have for the beneficiaries of the Eddie Chng Weng Wah Bursary? “I hope they realise they are lucky to have been chosen by NUS for a bursary and that they make the best out of it, and out of life. And, if they are successful, they should give as well,” he shares.

For information on making a gift to NUS, contact us at 1800-DEVELOP (1800-338-3567) or emailaskdvo@nus.edu.sg